Does Carpet Make A Room Warmer?

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While a tile or hardwood floor can feel nice and cool on a hot summer’s day when the temperature starts to drop they may leave you yearning for the warmth of carpeting. But does carpet make a room warmer or is that just a myth?

An Excellent Insulator

Most people are shocked to find out that un-insulated floors can account for up twenty percent of heat loss in a home. Carpet is actually a fantastic insulating material. So while it won’t create any warmth itself, it will help to retain heat. Quality carpeting is made up of fibers that have a very low heat conduction rate.

Each carpet is made up of millions of individual fibers which trap air thus adding to its insulating ability. And of course, carpet flooring also functions as a physical barrier between the heat in your home and the sub-floor below just like a blanket. It’s estimated that carpeting provides around ten times the amount of insulation of hard floor coverings.

Warm Underfoot

Because it does not transfer energy as heat well, even at low temperatures carpet will feel warm under your feet and to the touch. This can really help to keep you cozy and you won’t require as much heating to make sure you stay comfy.

Carpeting And Savings

By using carpet on your floor you will be able to save money on your energy bills. It’s generally accepted that a home with carpeting will pay anywhere from six to twelve percent less per month in heating bills. While this may seem like a small amount it can be a big consideration especially with the current price of energy.

By using less energy you are also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which are one of the leading causes of climate change. Another one of the big advantages of carpet floors and their heat retention is they will often allow you to turn your heat on later in the season and turn it off earlier for extra savings.

Tips For Maximum Warmth

In general, you can maximize the heat retention of your carpet by choosing one that is thicker. The thicker it is the more insulation it will provide. Installing carpet over an underlay or cushioning will also increase the amount of insulation it provides. A carpet with a higher stitch count will mean a denser covering and therefore help as well. To reduce heat loss the more area which is covered the better, so a wall-to-wall carpet installation is ideal.

The material it’s made from can also make a difference. Wool carpeting, for example, is well-known for its warmth. So does carpet make a room warmer? In a way it does, it helps to keep heat in so you don’t have to use as much of it. That combined with the fact that it’s warm to the touch, soft, and that it’s typically budget-friendly helps to make carpeting a winning choice!